When the new Audi A4 was put through the safety agency's rigorous tests, it achieved the top five-star ranking, scoring 75% or higher in every single category.

The first two sections - adult and child occupant safety - are likely to be the two that will more influence a choice between vehicles and the A4 scores 90% and 87% respectively. The latter score is the highest achieved by a large family car, making the A4 the pick of the class if you have small children.

Alongside performing well for children in the physical testing, the A4 scores well by allowing for both ISOFIX and the new European standard i-Size seats to be fitted to the rear outboard seats.

The A4's active bonnet means that it achieves a good score in the pedestrian safety section, with more than three quarters of the tested areas rating in the top two categories. Much of the centre of the car rates as Good - the highest possible result - for protection to legs and hips.

There's a similar high score in the safety assists section, with the A4 receiving advanced awards for the standard fit Audi pre-sense and secondary collision brake assist functions. These assists operate at speeds of up to 155mph and will provide a warning of a collision to the driver, give additional braking effort if they do not react and, in the event of a collision, prevent the vehicle from rolling away into further strife.

About Inchcape

Inchcape Retail Limited, Registered in England and Wales No. 194561.
Registered Office: Inchcape House, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1HT
Inchcape Retail Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Inchcape Retail Limited are not independent financial advisors. As credit brokers, we work with a panel of selected lenders
when arranging funding for your purchase, and these lenders may pay us for introducing you to them